Mr Madison moved to insert after the word "reprisal" (art. XII) the words "nor lay embargoes." He urged that such acts by the States would be unnecessary–impolitic–and unjust.
Mr Sherman thought the States ought to retain this power in order to prevent suffering & injury to their poor.
Col: Mason thought the amendment would be not only improper but dangerous, as the Genl Legislature would not sit constantly and therefore could not interpose at the necessary moments. He enforced his objection by appealing to the necessity of sudden embargoes during the war, to prevent exports, particularly in the case of a blockade.
Mr Govr Morris considered the provision as unnecessary; the power of regulating trade between State & State already vested in the Genl Legislature, being sufficient.
On the question
N. H. no. Mas. ay. Ct no. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. ay. Md no. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. no.
Mr Madison moved that the words "nor lay imposts or duties on imports" be transferred from art: XIII where the consent of the Genl Legislature may license the act–into art: XII which will make the prohibition of the States absolute. He observed that as the States interested in this power by which they could tax the imports of their neighbors passing thro' their markets, were a majority, they could give the consent of the Legislature, to the injury of N. Jersey, N. Carolina &c.
Mr Williamson 2ded the motion.
Mr Sherman thought the power might safely be left to the Legislature of the U. States.
Col: Mason observed that particular States might wish to encourage by impost duties certain manufactures for which they enjoyed natural advantages, as Virginia, the manufacture of Hemp &c.